Latest news with #WalnutCreek
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Five Star Bank expands Bay Area presence with new office in Walnut Creek
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Star Bancorp (Nasdaq: FSBC) ('Five Star' or the 'Company'), a holding company that operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank, today announced the planned opening of its newest office in Walnut Creek, marking a significant expansion of its Bay Area footprint. 'Fueled by post-pandemic migration and a vibrant small business sector, Walnut Creek has experienced steady commercial growth and rising demand for high-tech and high-touch financial services,' said Executive Vice President / San Francisco Bay Area President, DJ Kurtze. 'With existing client relationships in Walnut Creek — including local favorites like in-coming Original Joe's and Calicraft Brewing Co., — Five Star Bank is seizing the opportunity to provide responsive banking solutions to more East Bay clients.' Five Star Bank's Walnut Creek expansion builds on its broader growth strategy, following the opening of its San Francisco office in September 2024, and demonstrates its commitment to strategic investment in Northern California. The approximately 4,128 square foot, full-service branch will be located at The Plaza at Walnut Creek at 1333 North California Boulevard, Suite 510, in Walnut Creek. The new Walnut Creek office, which is expected to open in the third quarter of 2025, allows Five Star Bank to better serve its growing portfolio of clients in the region, ranging from family-owned businesses to professional service firms shaping the local economy. The space will also accommodate the bank's growing team, with approximately one-third of its Bay Area employees already based in the East Bay. 'We are very pleased to open a new office in Walnut Creek which serves as a natural extension of Five Star Bank's commitment to the dynamic communities of the East Bay,' said Five Star Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, James Beckwith. 'Walnut Creek's thriving business landscape, highly skilled workforce and strong community values make it an ideal location for us to expand our presence. This office enhances our ability to deliver personalized, relationship-based banking while supporting continued growth for our clients and our team. We're proud to invest in a city that reflects the future of the Bay Area.' About Five Star Bancorp Five Star Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. Five Star operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The bank has eight branches in Northern California. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections, and statements of the Company's beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward-looking statements include without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as 'may,' 'could,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'aim,' 'intend,' 'plan,' or words or phrases of similar meaning. The Company cautions that the forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions (some of which may be beyond the Company's control) and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which change over time, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict their occurrence or how they will affect the Company. If one or more of the factors affecting the Company's forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release. Therefore, the Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking information and statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 under the section entitled 'Risk Factors,' and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company disclaims any duty to revise or update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking statements, except as specifically required by law. Investor contact Heather C. Luck, Chief Financial Officer Five Star Bancorp (916) 626-5008 hluck@ Media contact Shelley R. Wetton, Chief Marketing Officer Five Star Bancorp (916) 284-7827 swetton@
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Tesla Stock Up 58% As Cybertruck Value Dips. China, Europe Sales Drop
Tesla stock has soared 58% after CEO Elon Musk announced plans to leave DOGE. Can he restore the company's brand value? If not, company shares are too high. WALNUT CREEK, CA - MAY 14: Matthew LeBrot is photographed with his Tesla cybertruck, bearing anti ... More Musk slogans, in a park near his home in Walnut Creek, California on May 14, 2025. Lebrot lost his job as a Tesla sales manager after calling for Elon Musk to step down from the company after Tesla posted huge losses. (Photo by Martin Klimek for The Washington Post via Getty Images) Musk plans to return to Tesla '24/7' Tesla's brand reputation has plunged since 2021 Tesla sales in China and Europe are down due to more aggressive rivals Cybertruck trade-in values saddle Tesla with lower valued inventory Tesla stock may be 23% overvalued Tesla stock trade 29% below their peak last December. However, the company's share price bottomed out in early April — around the time of reports CEO Elon Musk would leave the Department of Government Efficiency, noted Newsweek. Since April 8, Tesla stock has risen 58%, according to GoogleFinance. Does this represent a buying opportunity? The most likely explanation for the rise is investor enthusiasm for Musk's '24/7' return to Tesla coupled with a temporary reprieve on 50% tariffs on European Union exports to the U.S., according to TipRanks. Here's why Musk's return could be bad for Tesla's stock: To be fair, in Tesla's April 22 earnings call, the company doubled down 'on its robotaxi launch in Austin this June, giving investors a near-term growth lever to latch onto,' noted TipRanks. It is unclear whether Musk is more part of the problem than part of the solution for Tesla investors. I have requested comment from Tesla and will update this post if I receive a reply. While Republicans expressed more favorable opinions than did Democrats, Tesla's brand reputation has fallen over the last five years. Tesla has fallen from was eighth place in the 2021 reputation ranking of America's 100 most visible companies, according to Axios. In 2024,Tesla fell to sixty-third place and in 2025 is at ninety-fifth — placing 'dead last in 'character,' while placing near the bottom in 'ethics' and 'citizenship,' ' noted Axios. After reporting a first-time sales and profit decline, the bad news for Tesla appears to coincide with Musk's decision to 'go all-in for President Donald Trump,' noted Daily Kos. Musk's $288 million donations to Trump's campaign, according to the Washington Post, his 'Nazi salute on Trump's Inauguration Day in January,' and his actions slashing jobs as leader of DOGE, likely eroded Tesla's brand for many drivers, Daily Kos reported. Tesla's second largest market is China where 2025 sales and registrations are inauspicious. 'Although first quarter sales were flat versus 2024, the first seven weeks of the second quarter witnessed a 25% slump in new registrations in China,' according to a report from Citi analyst Jeff Chung featured by MarketWatch. Tesla's China woes seem due more to competition than concerns about Musk. For example, Xiaomi's newly launched YU7 model electric SUV is priced in Tesla's Model Y $35,000 to $45,000 price range while boasting 100 miles better driving range, noted MarketWatch. The YU7 will 'significantly erode Tesla's Model Y market share," Chung added. In Europe, things look worse for Tesla. In April, Tesla sold 7,261 cars in Europe — 49% fewer than the year before according to a European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) report featured by CNBC. While Tesla's brand in Europe has been damaged, competition and a lack of hybrid EVs — running with traditional fuel and small batteries — in Tesla's lineup are also costing the company market share. Last week, a report said China's BYD sold more pure EVs in Europe than Tesla for the first time, noted CNBC. What's more 35% of European consumers prefer hybrid EVs , according to ACEA data. European Union new car registrations data revealed more bad news for Tesla. The company's 'market share for the first four months of 2025 almost halved to just 1.1%, and its April figures were even worse with just 0.7%,' MarketWatch reported. Tesla's cybertruck is not a significant part of the company's revenue — but it symbolizes the challenges facing Musk. In December 2023, Cybertruck sales appeared poised to sell far fewer — 75,000 — than the two million reserved, according to my December 2023 Forbes post. The Cybertruck was designed to appeal to small segment of the population and would be difficult to manufacture at scale. The design was an 'Apocalypse-bunker-on-wheels,' wrote Streetsblog. Social media compared the Cybertruck's design to 'a roided-out Blade Runner jalopy and an industrial refrigerator,' noted by 2023 post. Meanwhile, the Cybertruck's outer shell was hard to bend and manipulate. Tesla has been challenged to 'shape the material into body panels that line up correctly and don't result in large gaps when installed' reported the Wall Street Journal. 'On top of that, it is so hard and strong that it can be difficult to flatten, these people said,' added the Journal. After numerous technical problems and recalls, Cybertruck sales fell short of my predictions.'Only about 40,000 people ended up converting their reservations into orders,' noted Electrek. And after avoiding consumer requests for trade-ins, Tesla is now offering buyers $65,400 for Cybertrucks with only 6,000 miles on the odometer — 34.6% depreciation in just a year which compares unfavorably to the 20% depreciation of pickup trucks, Electrek reported. Pickup trucks generally lose about 20% of their value after a year Tesla trades above its price target. According to 37 Wall Street analysts, Tesla's average price target of $282.70 means the company's stock is 23% over-valued as of this writing, noted TipRanks.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Exit Factor Expands Territory With New Location in Walnut Creek, California
Helping Bay Area Business Owners Increase Value and Plan for a Profitable Exit WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 19, 2025 / Exit Factor™, a business consulting company that specializes in exit planning for small to mid-sized companies, announced today the opening of its newest location in Walnut Creek, California. Scott Langbein, owner and lead exit strategist, supports small and mid-sized business owners across San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek, California. With 25 years of experience in corporate technology, Langbein helps clients maximize their business value and prepare for a successful Factor Logo The Exit Factor program is a proven process with tailored exit plans that safeguard the long-term value of a business now and in the future, no matter the size. Designed to help owners take control of their business by maximizing profit, efficiency, and value from day one, even if a sale isn't uppermost on the owner's mind. 'Wealth and value are not limited resources,' said Scott Langbein, owner. 'Small business owners are the backbone of our economy. I help them plan for and grow toward their unique business goals-whether that means selling, scaling into a larger business, or passing it down to family. Having a plan is key, and I'm here to help them create it. The Exit Factor company was founded by best-selling author, speaker, and small-business advocate Jessica Fialkovich. Her passion for helping business owners maximize their company's value, grew from her experience as a business broker and owner of a Transworld Business Advisors® franchise. For businesses that were not quite ready to sell, or had potential to increase their value prior to listing, Fialkovich developed a program, teaching strategies on ways to build value, profitability, and salability. 'We're very proud of the success Exit Factor has had in helping businesses plan for profitability to ensure business owners maximize their company's value when it's time to sell,' Jessica Fialkovich said. 'We look forward to bringing Exit Factor of Walnut Creek, California on board to help even more business owners.' Participants in Exit Factor's program earn back an average of $2,700 in exit value for every hour they spend in the program. Within the first year, clients have seen a 25% increase in profit and a 56.7% increase in business value. For those who have decided to sell, the program has helped them achieve successful exits. About Exit Factor Exit Factor™ offers a proven method that helps small to mid-size business owners maximize their company's value. It's among the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants, representing the very best in their industries. Through one-on-one consulting services and online programs, the trusted advisors at Exit Factor teach entrepreneurs how to successfully improve their company's efficiency, value and ultimately ability to exit. For more information, visit and for more information on owning an Exit Factor franchise, visit Contact Information Scott Langbein Owner 925-594-6576 SOURCE: Exit Factor press release
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
East Bay Park officials urge caution on trails as rattlesnake season returns
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - With spring temperatures on the rise, rattlesnakes are reemerging across the East Bay, prompting the East Bay Regional Park District to issue a warning to park visitors ahead of the weekend. "We like to remind folks to be safe and vigilant with their eyes on the trail in the parks," said Dave Mason, a spokesperson for the park district. At Briones Regional Park in Walnut Creek, several hikers said they had already spotted rattlesnakes, including one jogger who encountered one earlier in the day. "I just saw one down here, I almost stepped on him," said Rob Holmes. "A little baby guy, but typically you'll see them at 5 or 6 p.m. coming out for some warmth." While rattlesnake bites are rare, officials advise hikers to stay on trails, avoid tall grass, and look carefully before sitting near logs or rocks. "You just don't want to get too close, and if you just wait a sec, they amble off," said park visitor Dan Harrington. Experts also recommend listening for the distinct sound of a rattle. "A lot of times, rattlesnakes will give you a little warning that they're there," said Mason. Len Ramirez, a professional snake wrangler, said runners should be particularly cautious. "Runners need to especially pay attention, that they don't step on a snake," said Ramirez, who owns Ramirez Rattlesnake Removal. "And if they were to spot a snake while in motion while running, it would be a good idea to sidestep or run around the opposite side of its head." He also urged dog owners to keep pets leashed. "Keep your dog out of the tall grass. I see a lot of dogs that are bit by rattlesnakes," he said. For homeowners living near snake habitats, reducing food sources can help deter snakes. "If you keep the irrigation down, and you don't have a garden, and you don't have any food source out there for mice or lizards, the chances are there's not going to be snakes," said Luis Frazer, a professional snake wrangler who owns The East Bay Regional Park District is also reminding the public that it is illegal to harm or kill a rattlesnake. If bitten, officials say remain calm and call 911 immediately.
CBS News
09-05-2025
- CBS News
Bay Area man accused of engaging in sexual acts with Ceres minor
CERES — Ceres police said Friday that officers arrested a Bay Area man who faces multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Pittsburg resident Christopher Rios, 27, was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center following a six-month-long investigation that began when a 16-year-old girl's mother "discovered suspicious messages on her daughter's social media accounts," police said. Rios allegedly had traveled from Walnut Creek to Ceres to engage in sexual acts with the girl in exchange for cash and vape pens. Ceres police said it was also discovered that sexually explicit photos were exchanged through social media. Law enforcement officials located and arrested Rios in Walnut Creek. Ceres police said there is no indication of additional victims but urged anyone with information to come forward.
